This month was the Squad Goals edition. Never heard the term? Squad goals is defined as a reference to a person or thing seen as a model to aspire to or emulate, especially with one’s friends (often as a hashtag in social media). We presented 3 movies showcasing a range of friends, qualities, and dynamics and asked our teens whether they truly lived up to the theme.

Every PaaM night, we ask our teens to give us their honest reviews of the winning movie. We then select voices that capture the range of opinions and critiques. Read what Ymorah, Dorothea, Jerusha and Alejandrina (all PaaM Newbies)thought about this 80s classic.

What was the overall message of the the film?

Ymorah: I felt like the overall message of the story is to not judge a book by its cover because you never know what a person is going through inside.Dorothea: The movie was about breaking stereotypes and how even though we have a label, we don’t all fit that. Everyone has elements of all labels.Jerusha: People can think what they wish about you, but as long as you know yourself, no one can dictate your identity.Alejandrina: The overall message is to not judge a book by its cover because you don’t really know wha’t s going on in people’s lives before you get to know them beyond their reputation.

What was your favorite scene? Bonus: Why? SPOILER ALERT!

Ymorah: My favorite scene was when everyone showed why they were in detention. This was my favorite scene because we got to know more about each character and what they are going through.Dorothea: My favorite scene is when they al let loose and dance. This scene shows how everyone can have a good time no matter what.Jerusha: My favorite scene was the last scene with the argument because that’s when everyone’s truth comes out.Alejandrina: The end when the principal read the letter because it was a slap in the face.

Would you recommend this to a friend? Why or why not?

Ymorah: I would recommend The Breakfast Club to a friend because it’s a good movie to help you think about how you see yourself and also consider what other people may be going through.Dorothea: I would (and have!). This movie is something I would recommend to anyone because its message relates to everyone, everywhere.Jerusha: I would, definitely. I would recommend this movie a thousand times over because it always seems to spark an interesting conversation by inviting the audience to think deeply.Alejandrina: Yes, because it was funny and just overall a good movie.

Join us for the next FREE Pizza and a Movie!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6TH

Seating is limited, so you must lay claim to your seat & slice by selecting “Free Ticket- RSVP HERE” on the Pizza and a Movie event page at https://teens.artsconnection.org/paam/ Fill in your information and you will receive a reminder email the day before the event. Please let us know exactly how many people you’ll be bringing. If you have any questions, feel free to email Briana, Teen Programs Assistant at *protected email*Successfully EncodedSuccessfully EncodedSuccessfully Encoded

This month was the Not Your Average Teen Movie edition. We presented 3 movies that rejected the typical teen movie tropes and storylines. Each movie offered a refreshing perspective on the teen experience.

Mosquita y Mari, set in L.A. follows 2 very different Chicana High schoolers that find a bond they struggle to understand.

Raising Victor Vargas zeroes in on aspiring ladies’ man, Victor, juggling life with his younger siblings and opinionated grandmother with his pursuit of reluctant Judy in NYC’s Lower East Side.

Kicks is an updated adventure story set in the East Bay, California following 15 year old Brandon who sets out with his best friends to reclaim the prized sneakers that were stolen from him.

Every PaaM night, we ask our teens to give us their honest reviews of the winning movie. We then select voices that capture the range of opinions and critiques. Read what Juliette (PaaM Newbie), Danny & Nerissa(PaaM Regulars) and Danielle (Return PaaMer) thought about this fresh take on life as a teen in NYC.

Danielle: When Victor and his siblings banded together because they argued often but supported each other in the end.Nerissa: When the siblings began to argue. It felt authentic. There were no shortcuts and the dialogue wasn’t perfect or altered, which made it feel very real.Juliette: When Victor shows Judy the chickens because it showed a lot of his personality.Danny: When the younger brother was “using” the bathroom.

Would you recommend this to a friend? Why or why not?

Danielle: No, because its mostly character driven and slow-paced.Nerissa: I would recomennd this movie. It’s the perfect balance of teenagers overcoming vulnerability and being true to their feelings. The characters each grew by getting over their egos and defying “machismo”. By being vulnerable they matured. Overall, the movie was the perfect mix of comedy, a coming of age story and a perfect depiction of of growing up black-latino in New York.Juliette: Yes, because it’s like nothing I’ve ever watched before and it’s very raw and authentic.Danny: Yeah, to my friends who have the same mindset as the main character.

Join us for the next FREE Pizza and a Movie!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH

Seating is limited, so you must lay claim to your seat & slice by selecting “Free Ticket- RSVP HERE” on the Pizza and a Movie event page at https://teens.artsconnection.org/paam/ Fill in your information and you will receive a reminder email the day before the event. Please let us know exactly how many people you’ll be bringing. If you have any questions, feel free to email Briana, Teen Programs Assistant at *protected email*Successfully EncodedSuccessfully Encoded

This month was the BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER EVER edition. We pulled 3 of the top summer blockbusters of all time. BIG NAMES, BIG BUDGET, BIG EFFECTS- movies that served as the blueprint for the movies we still flock to theaters to see today. All 3 movies were helmed by director Steven Spielberg and have made their indelible mark on our popular culture.

Every PaaM night, we ask our teens to give us their honest reviews of the winning movie. We then select voices that capture the range of opinions and critiques. Read what Madison (Resident PaaM Critic), Kayla & Marge (PaaM Regulars) and Emma (TRaC Star) thought about this iconic film.

Madison: My favorite scene was the “we’re gonna need a bigger boat” scene! Why? Because it is so incredibly iconic and it is also kind of suspense-fully awesome!Kayla: My favorite scene was when the Chief overcame his fear of the water.Marge: My favorite scene was when Quint dies because his arrogance has caught up with karma.Emma: When Hooper tried to convince the mayor to close . the beaches because it shows you that the good guys don’t always wn and that sometimes good chocies take convincing,

Would you recommend this to a friend? Why or why not?

Madison: Yes! Of Course, it is a classic and the direction and acting is totally on point! It is a timeless movie too because people will always be kind of scared of sharks!Kayla: No, because we all know what’s going to happen.Marge: Sure, it’s a classic film.Emma: I definitely would because this movie is beautifully shot and is very timeless, on top of being a thriller playing on realistic scenarios.

Join us for the next FREE Pizza and a Movie!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH

Seating is limited, so you must lay claim to your seat & slice by selecting “Free Ticket- RSVP HERE” on the Pizza and a Movie event page at https://teens.artsconnection.org/paam/ Fill in your information and you will receive a reminder email the day before the event. Please let us know exactly how many people you’ll be bringing. If you have any questions, feel free to email Briana, Teen Programs Assistant at *protected email*Successfully Encoded

School is almost out and summer is around the corner, so what better time to host the Summer Magic edition?! Summer Magic is beautiful weather, good friends, relaxation, new adventures, and the stories you can’t wait to share when school starts up again. We selected 3 movies that capture the best elements of our favorite time of the year:

Amusement park antics and romance with Adventureland.

Sand, surf, and girls run the world with Blue Crush.

Baseball unites new friends and neighborhood misadventures ensue with The Sandlot.

Every PaaM night, we ask our teens to give us their honest reviews of the winning movie. We then select voices that capture the range of opinions and critiques. Read what Susan(NYPL Teen & PaaMer), Nerissa (Return PaaMer), Madison (Reigning PaaM Reviewer), and Desjah (PaaM Newbie) thought about this awkward 80s teen flick.

Susan: When James got Frigo back at the end.Nerissa: My favorite scene was when the protagonist goes up against the antagonist (his summer crush) and fails to express himself. Not only does it characterize the protagonist, but it also challenges the stereotypical climax of a movie. The moment when James gets out of the car makes the audience excited, yet he hardly expresses his feelings. There is really no climax in the film. The exposition is comedic.Madison: When Em told Sue off with a very liberal and modern standpoint. Why? Because that was very 2017 of her! And she told it like it was! And she was the most relatable @ that point!Desjah: I liked the scene when Em and James were at the bar and Connel and his wife came in because you can sense tension and jealousy being visually exchanged.

Would you recommend this to a friend? Why or why not?

Susan: No, I don’t like [the movie] but I don’t hate it.Nerissa: I would recommend this film because in general the story is sweet and fun to watch.Madison: Yeahhhh… if they wanted an awkwardly true romantic movie because this is most certainly one of those!Desjah: Yes! I loved Pizza and a Movie night and the movie fit the theme perfectly. The movie showed the typical teenage summer.

Join us for the next FREE Pizza and a Movie!

FRIDAY JULY 7TH

Seating is limited, so you must lay claim to your seat & slice by selecting “Free Ticket- RSVP HERE” on the Pizza and a Movie event page at https://teens.artsconnection.org/paam/ Fill in your information and you will receive a reminder email the day before the event. Please let us know exactly how many people you’ll be bringing. If you have any questions, feel free to email Briana, Teen Programs Assistant at *protected email*Successfully Encoded

Every PaaM night, we ask our teens to give us their honest reviews of the winning movie. We then select voices that capture the range of opinions and critiques. Read what Cianna (TRaC Star), Zuri (The Return PaaMers), Madison (Reigning PaaM Reviewer), and one shy PaaMer thought about this feel good 90s flick.

Cianna: The punching scene at prom.Anonymous: The end when Kat got the guitar.Zuri: When Joey got punched.Madison: Ahh! My favorite scene was when Kat read her poem in class and it was totally @ Patrick. Why? Because it was so sad and cute and even made the badass Patrick cry!

Would you recommend this to a friend? Why or why not?

Cianna: Yes, it’s very entertaining.Anonymous: Yes, Pizza and a Movie is a great opportunity for teens.Zuri: No, I don’t think they would like the movie.Madison: Yes! it is the perfect movie for people who love the 90s and always dreamed about having a hopelessly adorable teen romance!

Seating is limited, so you must lay claim to your seat & slice by selecting “Free Ticket- RSVP HERE” on the Pizza and a Movie event page at https://teens.artsconnection.org/paam/ Fill in your information and you will receive a reminder email the day before the event. Please let us know exactly how many people you’ll be bringing. If you have any questions, feel free to email Briana, Teen Programs Assistant at *protected email*